GV Art + Designs Officially Opens on Detroit Avenue

The throngs of people interested in buying T-shirts and apparel from George Vlosich can now line up at new store, GV Art + Design, on Detroit Avenue.

Not in the basement of his parents’ house.

Last year, George Vlosich quit the comfort of his day gig at an advertising agency to pursue his passion with father, George, and brother Greg, and close friend Mike Gorman.

From the beginning, the products — mainly really clever T-shirts — were a hit.

“The neighbors must’ve thought we had an illegal drug ring,” said Greg Vlosich, remembering the days before the new (official) brick-and-mortar location.

“It’s been good to see the response so far.”

GV Art + Design is now formally open at 17411 Detroit Avenue.

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening is slated for 2 p.m. Aug. 10, when there will be a few new shirts unveiled for the occasion. The owners of the company expect hundreds to show up.

And why not?

During the “soft opening,” the store’s been packed with customers looking to buy the well-known apparel, found all over Northeast Ohio — from Geiger’s to the Cleveland Indians team shops.

“We’re really not even open yet and it’s been busy,” said George Jr.

Following an extensive renovation, the store takes up two storefronts, in the block across from St. James Catholic Church.

One side is the office, and the other side houses the merchandise.

A large mural featuring Cleveland sports legends greets the customers.

George Vlosich Jr. — an Etch-A-Sketch artist regarded as among the world's best — will now also have a permanent spot to show off his famous collection.

Some of those pieces adorn the walls; so do photos of the Vlosich family with celebrities.

With close friends and family roaming the store, it still manages somehow to feel like home — like that basement on Larchmont Avenue.

“We have come a long way,” said Gorman, pointing out that all of the partners have roots in Lakewood. “We put a lot of work into this. Lakewood’s great for us.”